The Albert Lea and NRHEG girls’ golf team competed in the first round of the Section 2A golf tournament Wednesday morning at Legacy Golf Course in Faribault.

While it was the end of the road for the Panthers this season, the Tigers scrambled for fourth place and earned their way into the second round.

Leading the way for the Tigers was senior Charley Fleek who shot a round of 94 (+22). The three other Tigers who scored for the team were all within five strokes of each other. Eighth grader Whitney Mullenbach carded a 103 (+31), eighth grader Alyssa Jensen a 104 (+32) and junior Makenzie Herr shot a 108 (+36).

Also playing for Albert Lea, but missing out on scoring was sophomore Grace Nelson with a round of 137 (+65).

With the fourth-place finish, the Tigers advance as a team to day two where they will compete again for a chance at the state meet.

“It is exciting to be able to bring the team back to the finals,” said head coach Shawn Riebe. “It is a good experience for the younger girls, and Charley put herself in position to compete at state.

“We had a lot of challenges with the weather and changes in dates, times and courses. This was a good performance for us coming into this never seeing the course before. The girls were able to stay focused and grind out some good scores. Hopefully we are able to put together some good numbers at New Prague and end the season on a positive note.”

The NRHEG girls’ team fielded three golfers. Junior Sydney Koziolek, sophomore Ellie Baker and eighth grader Grace Wilkenson were unable to turn in a team score, but still competed as individuals.

Baker turned in the best score of the trio with 116 (+44), Koziolek was next with a 221 (+49) and Wilkenson was not far behind with a 227 (+55). None of the three were able to qualify for the second day, ending the Panthers’ season.